Enologist

Position Summary: The Enologist is a member of the winemaking team that oversees the lab and quality control on a daily basis. Candidates should have the knowledge to perform analysis and critical mind to respond to the analysis. This includes researching, reporting, and resolving issues that arise by working collaboratively with the winemaking team to produce premium Napa Valley wines.
 
Position Responsibilities:
 LABORATORY
 •  Maintain current working knowledge of all instruments, all assays, troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance measures to ensure every instrument is top notch working condition
 •  Order chemical reagents and maintain current lots of all consumable supply stocks
 •  Coordinate with Chimney Rock and put together joint harvest fermentation supplies order
 •  Oversee and complete maintenance and calibration checks on all instruments
 •  Research, bring in-house, and implement new laboratory procedures and cost saving streamlining measures (Ex. Veriflow Brett PCR, Chemwell Automated Enzymatic Analyzers, Alcolyzer, etc.)
 •  Research and purchase new instrumentation and write SOPs to maintain up to date cost effective procedures
 •  Maintain all other operating procedures up to most current standards in Laboratory Manual
 •  Coordinate Lab sharing with Chimney Rock (Alcohols and PCR Analysis)
 •  Coordinate with outside technicians to complete yearly maintenance on all mission critical instruments
 •  Oversee and analyze, when necessary, all aspects of bottling line QC for Natural, Screw and WAK Screw capsules. Write and update procedures for all new and old bottling QC methodologies.
 •  Assist in Work Order entry for Rutherford Hill Winery into WMDB
 •  Write WMDB WO’s pertaining to Laboratory actions, additions, topping, and harvest activities
 •  Assist in evaluating and establishing methods and procedures in the laboratory to monitor and improve the quality of wine produced, and train and enforce quality procedures among winery personnel.
 •  Evaluate Laboratory procedures and update/ write SOPs accordingly.
 •  Participate in winery tasting and special events both on and off site as directed. Some travel may be required.
 •  Participate in educational seminars, classes, and events as directed.
 •  New duties as required by your direct supervisor.
 
 BOTTLING
 •  Oversee and analyze, when necessary, all aspects of bottling line QC for Natural, Screw and WAK Screw capsules. Write and update procedures for all new and old bottling QC methodologies .
 •  Evaluate QC analysis and follow up by ensuring corrective actions are taken by cellar &/ or notify assistant winemaker/ winemaker as directed.

HARVEST
 •  Assist with pre-harvest vineyard sampling as needed.
 •  Maintain up to date record keeping during harvest by ensuring results are promptly available to winemaking team in the format selected by the assistant winemaker.
 •  Help hire and train all part-time and / or temporary Lab personnel including all relevant safety procedures.
 •  Work to ensure the highest quality and condition of the grapes and wine produced by maintaining the Lab Quality Control and Lab Quality Assurance during this time.
 
 SUPERVISORY
 •  As a supervisor, the Enologist is responsible for the actions of laboratory team under their supervision at any given time.
 
 GENERAL
 •  Observe company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook & Laboratory Manual and most importantly always ensure the health and safety awareness and compliance in the Laboratory.
 •  Perform routine Sensory Quality Control on all Wine and communicate any issues to Assistant Winemaker/Winemaker.
 •  Maintain the laboratory in a clean, workmanlike, and economical factor.
 
Professional Qualifications
 •  A Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) in Enology or other related science such as Fermentation science, Biology, or Chemistry.
 •  Must have a minimum of 1-3 years of combined cellar and lab
 •  Cellar and/or supervisor experience is a plus.

 Personal Skills and Competencies
 •  Well-developed sensory skills and good analytical skills.
 •  Attention to detail and good organizational skills are a must.
 •  Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills required.
 •  Ability to work well with others and to work long hours during harvest (September- December), including rotating shifts if needed.
 •  Good written and verbal communication, as well as time management skills.
 •  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situation to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
 •  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
 •  Ability to think critically.
 •  Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Word. Winemakers Database is a plus.
 •  Hold a valid driver’s license.
 •  Ability to lift and move 60 lbs.

 Base Salary Range: $26.00 - $30.00